Carolina has the right of first refusal on any contract offers extended to Norwell by the league’s April 21 deadline. The Panthers would receive a second-round draft pick if they do not match another team’s offer.

The Panthers signed Norwell as an unrestricted rookie free agent in 2014 after a four-year collegiate career at Ohio State.

Norwell started in all 16 games last season. He has appeared in 39 games with 38 starts since joining the Panthers.